Bleacher Report's Expert Week 15 NFL Picks
We saw NFL chaos in Week 14. Baker Mayfield led a late game-winning drive on the road, Zach Wilson had his best outing of the season, and underdogs pulled off upsets in the Monday Night Football doubleheader.
And that's why they play the games, and we urge everyone to wager responsibly.
Bleacher Report's NFL expert panel, which includes analysts Brad Gagnon, Kris Knox, Gary Davenport, Brent Sobleski and Maurice Moton along with editors Wes O'Donnell and Ian Hanford, didn't let last week's outcomes shake their confidence. They even took a riskier approach than usual and picked five road underdogs to cover the spread for Week 15.
As we saw last week, borderline playoff squads and teams trying to avoid losing campaigns will have a lot more fight in these late-season games.
Let's take a look at the expert standings against the spread and straight up with four weeks left in the regular season. Our expert panel boasts a 53 percent hit rate on their consensus ATS picks and a 63 percent hit rate on SU selections.
ATS Standings
1. Gagnon: 116-88-4
T-2. Hanford 110-94-4
T-2. Moton: 110-94-4
4. Davenport: 108-96-4
T-5. Knox: 102-102-4
T-5. Sobleski: 102-102-4
7. O'Donnell: 101-103-4
Consensus picks: 110-94-4
SU Standings
1. Hanford 136-72
2. Moton: 134-74
3. Knox: 130-78
4. Gagnon: 126-82
T-5. Davenport: 124-84
T-5. O'Donnell: 124-84
7. Sobleski: 121-87
Consensus picks: 132-76
Los Angeles Chargers (5-8) at Las Vegas Raiders (5-8)
1 of 16
DraftKings Line: Las Vegas -3
Week 15 NFL action might kick off with a battle between Las Vegas Raiders' rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell and Los Angeles Chargers signal-caller Easton Stick.
O'Connell has started for the Raiders since interim head coach Antonio Pierce took over in Week 9. After he had his best outing in terms of passer rating (101.6) against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12, the first-year signal-caller struggled coming out of a bye week as the Raiders failed to score in a 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Vikings last week.
Pierce told reporters (via Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal) that he's "going through that process" of naming a starter for Thursday, which opens the door for Jimmy Garoppolo to reclaim the starting job.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will undergo season-ending finger surgery, which means Stick will start in his first game as a pro. Los Angeles selected him in the fifth round of the 2019 draft.
Our experts don't know what to expect from the Chargers offense, and they unanimously picked Las Vegas. Moton expects the Raiders defense and their top two wide receivers to headline a low-scoring victory for the Silver and Black.
"The Raiders have scored more than 21 points once this season, in Week 9 against the New York Giants. Fortunately for them, they probably won't have to score more than three touchdowns to beat the Chargers, who won't have Justin Herbert under center Thursday night.
"Without Herbert, the Chargers will start Easton Stick, who's completed 14 out of 25 passes for 183 yards with a 56 percent completion rate in two career games.
"We have no idea what to expect from Stick. He has a couple of playmakers in wide receiver Keenan Allen and running back Austin Ekeler along with a decent offensive line, but bettors should be wary about a backup who's thrown fewer than 30 regular-season passes in five seasons.
"Las Vegas' ninth-ranked scoring defense will clamp down on the Chargers, and as long as Khalil Mack doesn't wreck the Raiders' offensive line, the Silver and Black should win this game by more than a field goal. With Josh Jacobs on the injury report with a quad issue, wideouts Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers score the Raiders' two touchdowns."
Predictions
Davenport: Raiders
Gagnon: Raiders
Hanford: Raiders
Knox: Raiders
Moton: Raiders
O'Donnell: Raiders
Sobleski: Raiders
ATS Consensus: Raiders -3
SU Consensus: Raiders
Score Prediction: Raiders 17, Chargers 10
Minnesota Vikings (7-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-6)
2 of 16
DK Line: Cincinnati -3.5
Last week, in the fourth quarter of a 0-0 stalemate with the Las Vegas Raiders, the Minnesota Vikings benched quarterback Joshua Dobbs for Nick Mullens, and it worked out in their favor. Mullens led the offense into field-goal range, and Greg Joseph sealed the deal with a game-winning kick.
The Vikings have named Mullens the starter for Saturday's contest, and head coach Kevin O'Connell is hopeful that star wide receiver Justin Jefferson will suit up after he went down with a chest injury last week. Running back Alexander Mattison and right tackle Brian O'Neill may miss some time with ankle injuries.
With the changes and injuries across the Vikings offense, the panel backed the Cincinnati Bengals to cover the spread with the tricky hook (.5 points).
In a battle between backup quarterbacks, Davenport went with Cincinnati and its No. 2 signal-caller.
"The Bengals face quite a conundrum right now. What do they do with that bum Joe Burrow now that Jake Browning has exploded into megastardom like Tony Stark at the end of the first Iron Man movie? Do you trade him? You could probably get an OK haul—Burrow's decent I guess. Do you just eat the $872 million dead cap hit and cut bait?
"One thing's certain—the Bengals are like dinner rolls. It's Browning Time now. And this week against a Vikings team that will start Nick 'Maybe He Won't Be Terrible for a Week' Mullens, the Bengals are going to roll—again."
Predictions
Davenport: Bengals
Gagnon: Bengals
Hanford: Bengals
Knox: Vikings
Moton: Vikings
O'Donnell: Bengals
Sobleski: Bengals
ATS Consensus: Bengals -3.5
SU Consensus: Bengals
Score Prediction: Bengals 26, Vikings 21
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) at Indianapolis Colts (7-6)
3 of 16
DK Line: Indianapolis -2.5
The Pittsburgh Steelers will look to shake off a couple of embarrassing home losses to the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots. On Saturday, they'll square off with the Indianapolis Colts in a pivotal matchup that can shake up the AFC wild-card race.
Last week, the Cincinnati Bengals snapped the Colts' four-game winning streak, though Indianapolis has the firepower to heat up again. They field the eighth-ranked scoring offense, and that's without star running back Jonathan Taylor (thumb) over the last two weeks.
With the exception of O'Donnell, our panel backed the Colts. Hanford doesn't see hope for the Steelers' discombobulated offense.
"The complete and utter lack of any offensive game plan in Pittsburgh is finally catching up to the Steelers as they've been held under 20 points in four straight and are coming off two home losses to two teams that have combined for six wins this season," Hanford said.
"If that's not enough of a reason to back the Colts by at least a field goal, the Steelers are going to trot out Mitch Trubisky at QB again (or possibly Mason Rudolph) and hope for the best.
"The Steelers defense is still capable of making a few game-changing plays, but I trust Shane Steichen's team at home a lot more than I trust the struggling Steelers as they continue their surprising playoff push."
Sobleski chimed in with concerns about the Steelers' injuries along the offensive and defensive lines and in the secondary.
"Aside from the quarterback situations for both teams, the Colts are getting a little bit healthier at the right time, while the Steelers are more than banged up. Defensively, the Colts could receive a significant boost with both cornerback JuJu Brents, who has missed multiple weeks with a quad injury, and linebacker E.J. Speed back to full participants at practice. Both are integral parts of Gus Bradley's defense, which should significantly help Indianapolis after coming off its worst team performance of the season.
"Conversely, Steelers running back Najee Harris, guard Isaac Seumalo and linebacker Elandon Roberts didn't practice to start this week. Furthermore, nose tackle Keeanu Benton, defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, safety Damontae Kazee and outside linebackers Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt are all dinged. The last two are currently in the concussion protocol. Clearly, Pittsburgh will enter this game at far less than 100 percent."
Predictions
Davenport: Colts
Gagnon: Colts
Hanford: Colts
Knox: Colts
Moton: Colts
O'Donnell: Steelers
Sobleski: Colts
ATS Consensus: Colts -2.5
SU Consensus: Colts
Score Prediction: Colts 24, Steelers 20
.jpg?w=256 "Bills Steelers Football")
Denver Broncos (7-6) at Detroit Lions (9-4)
4 of 16
DK Line: Detroit -5
The Detroit Lions stumble back home following a 28-13 loss to the Chicago Bears. The Lions have given up at least 26 points in five consecutive contests, which should raise concerns for bettors who like them to cover by a touchdown.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos have surged in the standings with a balanced attack and few giveaways, which caught Moton's attention.
"The post-bye week Lions aren't as good as the pre-bye week squad. Since Week 10, Detroit's defense has allowed an average of 29.8 points per game, going 2-3 ATS with two outright losses to the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears," Moton recalled.
"Even at home, the Lions don't deserve your trust. They didn't cover the spread in their last two games at Ford Field. Now, Detroit hosts the Broncos who have won six of their last seven outings.
"Over the last four weeks, the Lions have turned the ball over at an alarming rate with 10 giveaways in that stretch. With the exception of their three-turnover game with the Houston Texans, the Broncos play an efficient brand of football with few game-changing mistakes.
"Denver will score enough points to cover, but the Lions win with their two-man rushing attack that features David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs."
Predictions
Davenport: Lions
Gagnon: Broncos
Hanford: Lions
Knox: Broncos
Moton: Broncos
O'Donnell: Lions
Sobleski: Broncos
ATS Consensus: Broncos +5
SU Consensus: Lions
Score Prediction: Lions 27, Broncos 24
Kansas City Chiefs (8-5) at New England Patriots (3-10)
5 of 16
DK Line: Kansas City -9
Since their Week 10 bye, the Kansas City Chiefs have sputtered with offensive struggles and poor execution, though head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes may disagree with the latter part, particularly for last week's game.
Four-time All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce has played well, racking up 81-plus receiving yards in three consecutive games, but he hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 11. Running back Isiah Pacheco missed the previous game with a shoulder injury. Kansas City's 20th-ranked run defense, which gives up the sixth-most yards per carry, has allowed at least 114 yards in eight consecutive contests.
The Chiefs have glaring issues to clean up, but Gagnon believes the reigning champions will crush the three-win New England Patriots.
"The Chiefs have had some tough moments this season, but in games against teams that currently have fewer than six wins, they're 4-0 with an average scoring margin of 32-16. The Patriots have fewer than six wins. A lot fewer. Let's not overthink this with Kansas City desperate to make a statement."
Predictions
Davenport: Chiefs
Gagnon: Chiefs
Hanford: Patriots
Knox: Patriots
Moton: Chiefs
O'Donnell: Chiefs
Sobleski: Chiefs
ATS Consensus: Chiefs -9
SU Consensus: Chiefs
Score Prediction: Chiefs 23, Patriots 13
Chicago Bears (5-8) at Cleveland Browns (8-5)
6 of 16
DK Line: Cleveland -3.5
At 38 years old, Joe Flacco had an eye-opening performance to help lead the Cleveland Browns to a 31-27 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, throwing for 311 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Even with his 57.8 percent completion rate, he played well enough to hold on to the starting job over rookie fifth-rounder Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
While impressive at the latter stages of his career, Flacco will face a stingier pass defense on Sunday. The Chicago Bears have allowed 223 passing yards or fewer in each of their previous five games. Chicago has also forced 11 turnovers over its last three outings.
Our crew picked the Bears to cover for the consensus pick, though Sobleski believes the Browns defense will overwhelm quarterback Justin Fields as Cleveland covers the spread.
"With everyone the Browns currently have on injured reserve, their season should be over. Rookie right tackle Dawand Jones became the latest addition to the MASH unit because of a knee injury. But the resiliency seen in Cleveland's roster has been stunning. The real issue in Sunday's matchup with the Bears is whether Justin Fields can decipher and handle Cleveland's true trump card, its No. 1-ranked defense.
"The Bears don't really have anyone on the outside to consistently beat the Browns' suffocating man coverage, which will allow the defensive front to run wild, harass Bears quarterback Justin Fields and disrupt Chicago's offensive game plans."
Predictions
Davenport: Bears
Gagnon: Bears
Hanford: Bears
Knox: Bears
Moton: Bears
O'Donnell: Browns
Sobleski: Browns
ATS Consensus: Bears +3.5
SU Consensus: Browns
Score Prediction: Browns 21, Bears 20
Atlanta Falcons (6-7) at Carolina Panthers (1-12)
7 of 16
DK Line: Atlanta -3
The Atlanta Falcons lost their grip on the NFC South division lead following a defeat courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week, but they're still 3-1 against their three rivals.
Atlanta beat the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Week 1, and one can argue the league's worst team hasn't progressed much at all since the season opener.
The Panthers have an interim head coach in Chris Tabor, no offensive identity and a defense that doesn't match up well against the Falcons.
Moton explained why Atlanta holds a clear advantage over Carolina in the trenches.
"The Panthers haven't scored more than 18 points in a game since Week 6. They're giving up the second-most points per contest leaguewide. To make matters worse for Carolina, Atlanta can easily attack its biggest defensive weakness on the ground," Moton said.
"Through 14 weeks, Carolina has allowed the most rushing touchdowns (21). Assuming the Falcons know this, they'll give the Panthers a heavy dose of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier to wear out their opponent's run defense.
"After the Falcons suffered their first division loss last week, they get back on track with a dominant win over the lowly Panthers, who own the NFL's worst record ATS (2-9-2)."
Predictions
Davenport: Falcons
Gagnon: Panthers
Hanford: Falcons
Knox: Falcons
Moton: Falcons
O'Donnell: Falcons
Sobleski: Falcons
ATS Consensus: Falcons -3
SU Consensus: Falcons
Score Prediction: Falcons 27, Panthers 14
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) at Green Bay Packers (6-7)
8 of 16
DK Line: Green Bay -3.5
The Green Bay Packers lost some of their sizzle in a 24-22 Monday Night Football loss to the New York Giants, but they're favored by more than a field goal in a matchup with a team that's comparable to them in the standings.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold the No. 4 seed and the NFC South division lead because of tiebreaker rules, but they could fall out of the playoff picture with a loss on Sunday.
Our crew expects a tight battle in a game with postseason implications. Our experts came down to a 4-3 count in favor of Green Bay, though Knox disagrees with the consensus choice.
"Turnovers have been one of Green Bay's biggest problems this season. During the Packers' three-game winning streak, they didn't commit any. They had three in Monday's loss to the Giants, and that, combined with some underwhelming defense, cost them. I could see a similar situation play out this week against the Buccaneers, though the Packers should play a cleaner game at home.
"I think the Packers do enough to win, but I think Tampa makes them earn it. The Buccaneers have found a way to get Rachaad White going recently, while Green Bay has surrendered at least 140 rushing yards in each of its past five games. I see the Bucs making it a slow, sloppy, physical game, exactly the kind Green Bay has struggled with often this season."
Predictions
Davenport: Buccaneers
Gagnon: Packers
Hanford: Packers
Knox: Buccaneers
Moton: Packers
O'Donnell: Packers
Sobleski: Buccaneers
ATS Consensus: Packers -3.5
SU Consensus: Packers
Score Prediction: Packers 28, Buccaneers 24
New York Jets (5-8) at Miami Dolphins (9-4)
9 of 16
DK Line: Miami -9
As a backup, New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson watched the first game against the Miami Dolphins from the sideline on the day after Thanksgiving. Coming off his best performance of the season, he'll have a chance to help Gang Green avenge its Week 12 loss to Miami.
Our panel isn't moved by Wilson's impressive 301-yard passing performance in the Jets' 30-6 victory over the Houston Texans last week. Even with Dolphins star wide receiver Tyreek Hill battling an ankle injury, they sided with the Dolphins.
Moton doesn't take Hill's injury lightly, but he believes head coach Mike McDaniel will lean on the ground attack out of necessity.
"When Tyreek Hill racks up 100-plus receiving yards, the Dolphins are undefeated (8-0), but when he fell below that mark in five games, Miami lost four of those outings. So, yes, Hill's status for this game means a lot for ATS and SU bets," Moton noted.
"However, the Dolphins know Hill may not be close to 100 percent even if he suits up for this matchup. As a result, McDaniel will likely plan to lean on his ground attack in a battle against the Jets' 28th-ranked run defense.
"Keep in mind that the Dolphins field the second-ranked rushing offense and lead the league in rushing touchdowns (24) with running backs Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane both averaging five-plus yards per carry. Even without center Connor Williams (torn ACL), Miami should have some success on the ground.
"With a strong commitment to the run game, Miami can blow out Gang Green for the second time this season."
Predictions
Davenport: Dolphins
Gagnon: Dolphins
Hanford: Dolphins
Knox: Dolphins
Moton: Dolphins
O'Donnell: Jets
Sobleski: Dolphins
ATS Consensus: Dolphins -9
SU Consensus: Dolphins
Score Prediction: Dolphins 27, Jets 16
New York Giants (5-8) at New Orleans Saints (6-7)
10 of 16
DK Line: New Orleans -6
On Monday, the New York Giants activated Tyrod Taylor from injured reserve, but he may serve as the backup to Tommy DeVito for the remainder of the season.
As the starting quarterback for Big Blue, DeVito has helped lead the team to three wins in four games, throwing for seven touchdowns and just one interception in that stretch. Last Monday, he flashed the ability to make plays with his legs, rushing for 71 yards.
Head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka have made the most out of their quarterback situation with Daniel Jones (torn ACL) on injured reserve. Our panel has warmed up to the Giants as a strong spoiler team, and O'Donnell explained why in his reasons to pick Big Blue for the cover and a win.
"Danny DeVito (jokingly) is the narrative of the New York Giants right now, but it's Wink Martindale's defense bending but not breaking and forcing turnovers that's the driving force behind New York's winning streak," O'Donnell said.
"The Giants look to be playing on the path that led them to a surprising playoff berth a year ago—when they're getting points (except against the Eagles), you take them. I'm not saying the Giants are destined for another unexpected postseason berth (they still have to play the Eagles twice), but they're doing the little things right now that cover spreads and/or spring upsets.
"I've noticeably ignored any mention of the Saints to this point because that's how little I care about them, let alone trust them in any game. I have the Giants to cover and probably spring another 'upset' by forcing turnovers regardless of who is taking snaps for New Orleans."
Predictions
Davenport: Giants
Gagnon: Saints
Hanford: Giants
Knox: Saints
Moton: Giants
O'Donnell: Giants
Sobleski: Giants
ATS Consensus: Giants +6
SU Consensus: Saints
Score Prediction: Saints 23, Giants 20
Houston Texans (7-6) at Tennessee Titans (5-8)
11 of 16
DK Line: Tennessee -2.5
Regardless of how you break down this matchup, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud's availability will likely sway your opinion one way or another.
Late in the Texans' Week 14 loss to the New York Jets, Stroud took a big hit in the pocket and went into concussion protocol.
With Stroud uncertain to play this week, backup quarterback Davis Mills may have to lead Houston to victory on the road. Even with Stroud, the Texans have struggled away from their home, going 2-4 in their opponents' stadiums. Mills has a tough task on his hands, especially with lead wideout Nico Collins (calf) also questionable to play.
Despite the Texans' key injuries, Gagnon expects them to cover and pull out a victory.
"The Texans have been hit hard by injuries, but this is a must-win game against a mediocre team that is likely to come back to earth on short rest after a highly charged prime-time victory. Bet up to plus three if possible to be safe, because this should be a close game at worst. I still think the Texans win it outright."
Predictions
Davenport: Titans
Gagnon: Texans
Hanford: Texans
Knox: Titans
Moton: Titans
O'Donnell: Texans
Sobleski: Texans
ATS Consensus: Texans +2.5
SU Consensus: Texans
Score Prediction: Texans 21, Titans 17
San Francisco 49ers (10-3) at Arizona Cardinals (3-10)
12 of 16
DK Line: San Francisco -13.5
The San Francisco 49ers have steamrolled through their opponents to claim the No. 1 seed in the NFC. In their five-game winning streak, they've beaten every opponent by at least 12 points, which includes victories against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks (twice) and Philadelphia Eagles.
The 49ers have crushed playoff-caliber teams, so our experts don't think they'll have much trouble covering a 13.5-point spread against the three-win Arizona Cardinals, who had an extra week to prepare for this matchup on a bye week.
As Davenport points out, the 49ers will likely continue to go full throttle to hold on to the No. 1 seed in the NFC, which is bad news for the Cardinals.
"A spread this big should make anyone nervous, with good reason—the backdoor cover ain't that hard to pull off with a nearly 14-point cushion. But the 49ers just covered a double-digit spread against Seattle a week after mollywhopping the Eagles in Philadelphia," Davenport said.
"Now, the Niners are the top seed in the NFC, which means they can't take their foot off the gas. You want to know why San Francisco wins by 20 on the road here? The 49ers have a top-10 (if not top-five) quarterback they got with the last pick in the NFL draft. The Cardinals have a $230 million quarterback they got with the first pick overall they may well be looking to move on from. That's just—wow."
Predictions
Davenport: 49ers
Gagnon: Cardinals
Hanford: 49ers
Knox: 49ers
Moton: 49ers
O'Donnell: 49ers
Sobleski: 49ers
ATS Consensus: 49ers -13.5
SU Consensus: 49ers
Score Prediction: 49ers 34, Cardinals 20
Washington Commanders (4-9) at Los Angeles Rams (6-7)
13 of 16
DK Line: Los Angeles -6.5
Last week, the Los Angeles Rams nearly pulled off an upset to knock off the Baltimore Ravens for their fourth consecutive victory.
The Rams came up short, but they've gained the respect of our panel. Most of our experts expect Los Angeles to win decisively even though the Washington Commanders had an extra week to prepare for this matchup, but Moton isn't one of them.
"Last week, the Rams went score-for-score with the Ravens in a 37-31 overtime loss. Even in defeat, they played like a playoff hopeful who has a shot at a wild-card berth," Moton said.
"However, the Rams aren't world-beaters. They're a solid team but not good enough to get more than six points ATS in a matchup with a squad that's coming off a bye week.
"Yes, the Commanders have fallen apart over the past month with four consecutive losses, but they're an offensively aggressive club that leads the NFL in pass attempts. Even if Washington falls behind, Sam Howell will keep his team within a touchdown in Eric Bieniemy's pass-heavy offense. The Rams will win, but the Commanders get the backdoor cover."
Predictions
Davenport: Commanders
Gagnon: Rams
Hanford: Rams
Knox: Rams
Moton: Commanders
O'Donnell: Rams
Sobleski: Commanders
ATS Consensus: Rams -6.5
SU Consensus: Rams
Score Prediction: Rams 31, Commanders 23
Dallas Cowboys (10-3) at Buffalo Bills (7-6)
14 of 16
DK Line: Buffalo -2
Last week, the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills won their marquee matchups against the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, respectively.
Now, they clash in a big-time cross-conference contest that will impact the playoff picture in the NFC and AFC.
At 7-6, outside the playoff picture, the Bills should be the more desperate team, but the Cowboys look like the better squad right now. Also, keep in mind that Dallas has the best record leaguewide ATS (9-4).
Most of our panel picked Dallas to win outright, but O'Donnell, who picked Buffalo to pull off the minor upset last week, likes the Bills as surprising favorites in this spot.
"Just last week the Bills were underdogs in Kansas City while the Cowboys were favored over their rival, the reigning NFC champion Eagles. Both teams won, Dak Prescott is apparently the MVP favorite now (not in my book), and yet the clinging-to-playoff-hopes Bills are favored at home here.
"Maybe it's just the smell of the walleye I caught last week with the Bills' win over the Chiefs, but something smells fishy. Maybe oddsmakers actually see these teams the same way I do, and I'm willing to lay down these points for my flawed Super Bowl pick Bills as they expose the Cowboys the same way they exposed the Dolphins earlier this season.
"Them wagons have already been circled, but there's still room aboard this Bills bandwagon if you want a seat with me."
Predictions
Davenport: Cowboys
Gagnon: Cowboys
Hanford: Bills
Knox: Cowboys
Moton: Cowboys
O'Donnell: Bills
Sobleski: Cowboys
ATS Consensus: Cowboys +2
SU Consensus: Cowboys
Score Prediction: Cowboys 29, Bills 26
Baltimore Ravens (10-3) at Jacksonville Jaguars (8-5)
15 of 16
DK Line: Baltimore -3.5
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence surprised us when he managed to suit up on a short week after he suffered what looked like a serious ankle injury in Week 13.
When you consider the fact that the Cleveland Browns give up the fewest passing yards per game, Lawrence played better than expected, but he hurt his team with three interceptions.
In the Jaguars' 31-27 loss to the Browns, Lawrence also logged three carries for 11 yards. The Baltimore Ravens should prepare to see him on the field Sunday night.
Hanford isn't worried about Lawrence's availability. He believes Baltimore's pass rush and aerial attack will be the biggest factors in a win for the top team in the AFC.
"The Ravens are the only 10-win team in the AFC, and while it's not always pretty, it's hard to deny that they have a high ceiling as they're 11th in total DVOA among all teams since 1981," Hanford said.
"Trevor Lawrence struggled to take care of the ball against the Browns last week. That's not likely to change against a Ravens defense that leads the league in sacks and will look to heat up the pocket to test Lawrence's injured ankle.
"We've seen Jacksonville struggle against the likes of Brock Purdy, C.J. Stroud and even Jake Browning in recent weeks, so I like Lamar Jackson to ride the momentum of a strong Week 14 while the Ravens control the tempo on the ground. Baltimore wins by at least four before next week's matchup against the 49ers."
Predictions
Davenport: Ravens
Gagnon: Ravens
Hanford: Ravens
Knox: Ravens
Moton: Ravens
O'Donnell: Ravens
Sobleski: Ravens
ATS Consensus: Ravens -3.5
SU Consensus: Ravens
Score Prediction: Ravens 27, Jaguars 21
Philadelphia Eagles (10-3) at Seattle Seahawks (6-7)
16 of 16
DK Line: Philadelphia -4
The Philadelphia Eagles haven't lost back-to-back games with Jalen Hurts as their quarterback since Weeks 6 and 7 of the 2021 campaign. They seem a bit vulnerable in unfamiliar territory right now.
Not only have the Eagles lost consecutive outings, but their last two opponents, the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys, outscored them 75-32.
On Monday night, Philadelphia will face a slumping Seattle Seahawks squad that's lost four straight games and may not have starting quarterback Geno Smith (groin) under center.
In what feels like a gut-check game for the Eagles, most of our crew picked Philadelphia to cover, but Knox sided with Seattle because he thinks the Seahawks are in more despair, slightly outside the NFC playoff picture.
"I don't have a truly logical reason for believing Seattle will keep it close against the Eagles, aside from the fact that the Seahawks are desperate. Pete Carroll rarely calls out his players, but he did it after Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Seattle is back home after a two-game road trip, and I think it'll be up for this one in prime time.
"Seattle makes for a tough road trip for East Coast teams. A slow offensive start for Philly wouldn't shock me, even against an inconsistent Seahawks defense. And whether it's Drew Lock or Geno Smith under center for Seattle, I think the trio of DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba can give the Eagles' struggling secondary legitimate problems.
"Philly hasn't won by more than seven points since Week 7. I think we see another very close one here."
Predictions
Davenport: Eagles
Gagnon: Eagles
Hanford: Eagles
Knox: Seahawks
Moton: Eagles
O'Donnell: Eagles
Sobleski: Eagles
ATS Consensus: Eagles -4
SU Consensus: Eagles
Score Prediction: Eagles 28, Seahawks 22
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